What Cancers Are Covered by Critical Illness Insurance?

Most invasive cancers are covered by critical illness insurance, including breast, lung, bowel, prostate, ovarian, and blood cancers. However, early-stage cancers (carcinoma in situ) and non-melanoma skin cancers are typically excluded or receive only partial payment. Cancer accounts for 60-70% of all critical illness claims.

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Learn more about what does critical illness cover in our detailed guide.

Critical illness insurance

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What cancers are covered by critical illness insurance?

Most invasive cancers are covered, including breast, lung, bowel, prostate, ovarian, pancreatic, liver, brain, leukaemia, and lymphoma. Early-stage cancers like carcinoma in situ (CIS) and non-melanoma skin cancers are often excluded or receive partial payment.

Is all cancer covered by critical illness?

No, not all cancers are fully covered. Early-stage cancers (carcinoma in situ), low-grade prostate cancer, and most non-melanoma skin cancers are typically excluded or may only receive a partial payout (often 10-25% of the full sum).

Does critical illness cover skin cancer?

Malignant melanoma is usually covered. However, non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) are typically excluded as they're highly treatable and rarely life-threatening.

What is carcinoma in situ and is it covered?

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is very early-stage cancer that hasn't spread beyond where it started. Most policies exclude it from full payout but may offer a partial payment (10-25%). Some enhanced policies now include certain CIS types.

How do I claim for cancer on critical illness?

You need a confirmed diagnosis from a consultant, usually with histology results confirming cancer type and stage. Submit the claim to your insurer with medical evidence. Claims typically pay within 4-8 weeks of approval.

Can I get critical illness after a cancer diagnosis?

It's very difficult and often impossible to get critical illness cover after a cancer diagnosis. Some specialist insurers may offer cover after you've been cancer-free for 5-10 years, but with exclusions or higher premiums.

Quick Answer

Which Cancers Does Critical Illness Cover?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Invasive cancers covered: breast, lung, bowel, prostate, ovarian, blood cancers. Often excluded: carcinoma in situ (CIS), non-melanoma skin cancer, early-stage prostate. Cancer = 65% of all claims.

Cancer is the most common critical illness claim, accounting for around 65% of all payouts. However, not all cancers result in a full payout. Understanding what's covered - and what isn't - is crucial when choosing a policy.

Cover is subject to policy definitions. Check your specific policy for cancer coverage details.

Key Points

1Invasive cancers = full payout
2CIS often excluded or partial payment
3Non-melanoma skin cancer usually excluded
4Cancer = 65% of all CI claims
5Malignant melanoma covered
6Check policy definition carefully

Eligibility Criteria

Confirmed diagnosis by consultant
Histology results required
Must meet policy definition of 'cancer'
Survival period applies (usually 14 days)
Condition must occur after policy start

Typical Timeframe

Cancer claims typically pay within 4-8 weeks of the insurer receiving full medical evidence. The 14-day survival period applies from diagnosis.

Next Steps

1Review your policy's cancer definition
2Check CIS and early-stage provisions
3Understand partial payment conditions
4Compare policies on cancer cover
5Speak to a protection adviser

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Cancer Coverage: Key Facts

Which Cancers Does Critical Illness Cover?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

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